Minneapolis: A Hub for Women's Sports

Minneapolis/St. Paul has been recognized as the second-best city for women's sports in the United States, according to a recent ranking by The Athletic. This accolade highlights the strong presence of women's sports in the area, particularly through the Minnesota Lynx, who have established themselves as a dominant force in the WNBA. The region is also home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who have secured seven national championships in women's hockey, and the newly announced professional volleyball franchise in the Premier Hockey Federation (PWHL) and the USL W-League Aurora, which attract significant crowds.

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Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx's head coach and president of basketball operations, emphasized the importance of community support in fostering a vibrant sports culture. Reeve noted that the University of Minnesota plays a crucial role in promoting women's sports, with initiatives like the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, which aims to accelerate change for female athletes. The university's commitment to Title IX and its dedicated facilities have helped create a supportive environment for women's sports.

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Reeve reflected on the evolution of fan support since she joined the Lynx in 2009. Initially, the fan base was enthusiastic but limited. However, the team's success, particularly their championship win in 2011, marked a turning point. Reeve recalled her apprehension about the parade celebrating the 2011 championship, fearing a lack of attendance. To her surprise, around 15,000 fans showed up, signaling a growing commitment to the team. The Lynx's subsequent victories, including the 2015 championship, further solidified their place in the community, with Reeve noting an increase in recognition and support from fans.

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The interconnectedness of local sports teams has also contributed to the Lynx's success. Reeve highlighted the collaborative spirit among teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Twins, which fosters a supportive atmosphere rather than competition. This synergy allows teams to coordinate schedules and promote each other, enhancing overall fan engagement.

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Cheryl Reeve remarked on the unique nature of Minneapolis's sports culture, stating, "It’s not a thing where you talk about supporting something. It’s not a campaign. It’s just done, right?" This sentiment reflects the organic growth of women's sports fandom in the region, where community members actively engage with and support local teams.

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Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. Reeve acknowledged that even with significant support, the Lynx have faced difficult seasons, including two gutting playoff losses. However, the community's connection to the team remains strong, with local businesses celebrating players and their contributions to the city.

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• “We turned that corner, and when I saw the people, I said, ‘Holy sh–. Boy, have we come a long way.’ But it speaks to the community. That’s when I really started to kind of go, ‘Ok, this is a cool community.’” — Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx

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• “It’s a natural thing for this community.” — Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx

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• “There’s not a label that’s it’s women’s sports.” — Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx

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Minneapolis/St. Paul continues to be a beacon for women's sports, driven by community support, university involvement, and the success of local teams.

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